Paddle UK has announced today (3 September) that Mark Ratcliffe will step down from his role as Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross Performance Director.
Since his appointment to PD in December 2021, Mark has overseen a golden era for canoe slalom, most notably at the 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, held at Lee Valley, and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
With Mark as PD, the team achieved a record-breaking medal haul at the 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, including five World titles for Joe Clarke MBE – individual K1 and kayak cross, Kimberley Woods kayak cross, Mallory Franklin C1 and the women’s canoe team.
Last month at the Paris 2024 Games the team achieved four medals across six events in the canoe slalom and kayak cross programme, the most successful Olympic Games for the discipline.
In his 21 years with the organisation, Mark has coached at every level on the pathway. In 2016 he coached Joe Clarke to individual K1 gold at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games before taking up a role as head coach in April 2017. In 2019, he graduated as one of just nine coaches from the UK Sport Elite Programme.
Speaking about his decision to step down from the programme, Mark Ratcliffe said:
“It has been an absolute privilege to lead the canoe slalom team over the past seven years, first as Head Coach and then Performance Director. It has been an immensely rewarding 21 years with Paddle UK with the opportunity to influence the development of so many athletes and staff along the way.
“I have experienced so many inspirational moments over the years and the outstanding performances of the athletes in Paris were a real high point and I am immensely proud of the whole team for everything we achieved.
“The programme is in a fantastic place heading into the LA cycle and I would like to wish the athletes and staff all the very best in this challenge and I know the team will go on to do great things.”
Mark will be taking an extended break before returning in November to take up a new, interim role through to the end of the current funding cycle in March to support the Performance Leadership Team and new Performance Director in the transition into the LA 2028 Olympic cycle.
Ashley Metcalfe, CEO for Paddle UK, said:
“Under Mark’s guidance the canoe slalom and kayak cross programme has seen incredible success at a senior level as well as the junior and U23 age groups.
“Mark has dedicated more than 20 years to the programme and has had a significant impact on a number of athletes, coaches and staff. In this time he has overseen the most successful period for the British team, both as Head Coach and Performance Director and his contribution has been immeasurable.
“I’d like to thank him for his enormous contribution and look forward to supporting him as he transitions into his new role.”
The recruitment process for a new Performance Director will begin over the coming weeks.